There was not a moment to lose! There were more Scriptures he had to look up, but he needed his study for the task. If he had correctly divined the Lord’s voice and direction just now, he would find ready confirmation.

An hour later, the baron set his pen down on the desk and sat back in his chair. Several open Bibles and other books lay about his desk. The paper directly in front of him was full of a half-dozen or so portions of Scripture, which, beyond any further doubt, confirmed what had come to his heart an hour before.

There were many precautions they would have to take, for what had already happened once would be likely to happen again. They might still be watching him. There would be enormous risks. There would be walls, doors, passageways to alter. So much to do! But, if the Father was truly breathing life into the plan, all would fit together.

It was time to tell Marion of his walk, of what the Lord had spoken to him, and to show her this list of scriptural precedents for what he had in mind.

He rose, picked up the sheet on his desk, and went to find his wife. They must now make it a matter of serious prayer together.

58 Clandestine Assignment

58

Clandestine Assignment

The room where the two men were seated was as stark in its furnishings and decor as their voices were devoid of emotion. A more suitable setting for the transaction of their business could not have been found. The walls were barren, the floor of cold cement, the single high window dirty and admitting but scant hints of the light that shone outside.

Two straight-backed chairs sat opposite one another. In one, a man of approximately thirty-three was speaking across to the occupant of the other, a young uniformed man some twelve or thirteen years his junior.

“You have shown yourself well,” the older of the two was saying. “I have spoken to your superiors. They say you have a bright future in the Luftwaffe. The command of your own squadron, they say, will surely be yours.”

“I am gratified my service to the Reich is found satisfactory.”

“I am certain such a future would be enough to satisfy most loyal young German men.”

The other did not reply.

“There are, however, avenues of ‘service’ to the Reich and our beloved Führer that require a higher, and what I might call a certain fearlessness of devotion beyond that which most men are able to demonstrate. Do you understand my meaning?”

“Perhaps.”

“I had hoped you would come with us when my man spoke with you two years ago. I was disappointed to learn of your decision about the Luftwaffe.”

“My father thought it was best.”

“Do you only do what your father tells you?”

The young man eyed the other with irritation.

“I make my own decisions,” he said.